Roads, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam on Thursday said money collected through mutual understanding among transport-related organisations cannot be termed extortion, which he defined as forced payment.

Responding to journalists’ questions at a press briefing at the Secretariat in the afternoon, the minister said not all collections in the road transport sector should be labelled as extortion.

He explained that owners’ associations and workers’ organisations collect money at fixed rates to run their welfare activities, which has long functioned as an unwritten practice. “When the money is given voluntarily, it cannot be called extortion. But if someone is compelled to pay, that is what should be considered extortion,” he said.

The minister said owners’ associations collect funds with the intention of spending them on the welfare of vehicle owners. While there may be debates over whether the money is used properly, the collections are generally made through mutual understanding.

He added that various organisations, including labour welfare federations, also collect funds in a similar manner, and acknowledged that labour bodies linked to the ruling party often wield greater influence.

He made it clear that no one will be allowed to collect money by exerting pressure in areas under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges.

However, if owners collect money among themselves based on consensus, authorities will examine whether anyone is being deprived or whether the funds are being misused.

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Speaking on traffic congestion, the minister said unauthorised roadside markets along highways are creating traffic jams, stressing the need to bring such activities under discipline.

Regarding Eid travel, he said effective holiday management is crucial to reducing sufferings of homebound people. “Like last time, there are plans to maintain an extended holiday pattern.

We are also working on new measures to make journeys more comfortable,” he said, expressing hope that details would be shared within the next five to ten days.